🔥 Moscow Red Square & Kremlin One-Day Tour

Hey everyone! Still wandering around Red Square and the Kremlin clueless? As a long-time Moscow "living map," I’ve put together this foolproof one-day guide—follow it and you won’t get lost! If taking the metro, get on the red line and head to Okhotny Ryad (Охотный ряд) station. Take exit 7 to reach Manezhnaya Square. From here, the tour splits into two parts: Red Square and Kremlin. 🏰 Kremlin First Enter through Alexander Garden. At the entrance, you’ll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—the changing of the guard happens every hour. Arrive 8 minutes early to get a good view! After the ceremony, walk through the garden (see Figure 5 for key spots), pass under a bridge, and you’ll reach the ticket office. ❗ Hot tip: Arrive EARLY in peak season, or you’ll be stuck in a crazy-long queue! Once you have your ticket, head inside to explore. ➡️ Kremlin Opening Hours (Summer: May 15 – Sept 30) 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM ❌ Closed on Thursdays Main Attractions: Cathedral Square: ₽1,100 (adults) Armoury Chamber: ₽1,400 (adults) 🎟️ Opposite the ticket office, there’s a free public toilet 🚾: M = Men | Ж = Women 🥐 After the Kremlin, grab lunch at a nearby restaurant: Russian McDonald’s / KFC Or try Mumu, a popular Russian cafeteria chain (quick & affordable) ❤️ Afternoon: Red Square Main attractions: State Historical Museum Lenin’s Mausoleum St. Basil’s Cathedral GUM Department Store 🏛️ State Historical Museum Open daily: Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun: 10:00–18:00 Thu, Fri, Sat: 10:00–21:00 Ticket: ₽2,000 (adults) — See Figure 15 for entrance ⛪ St. Basil’s Cathedral Summer hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun: 10:00–18:00 Thu, Fri, Sat: 10:00–19:00 Ticket: ₽2,000 (adults) From the cathedral, walk downhill to Zaryadye Park. Follow the crowd to the hilltop and glass bridge for a stunning view of the Moscow River and downtown skyline 🌉. On your way back, head to GUM Department Store. Don’t miss: Famous GUM ice cream 🍦 Soviet-era grocery store on the 1st floor Soviet-style canteen on the 3rd floor Toilets 🚾 are also on the 3rd floor Exit toward the State Historical Museum. To your left is the museum (₽2,000), and to your right is Nikolskaya Street—filled with souvenir shops, restaurants, and street performances! ✅ Summary & Tips This is the perfect route if you only have one day in Moscow. Adjust based on your energy and interests. ⚠️ Only downside: Lenin’s Mausoleum requires long queues (often 1+ hours). It’s open 10:00–13:00 and closed Mon & Fri. If you’re low on stamina, consider splitting this into a 2-day tour. If you have more time, I highly recommend dedicating one day to Red Square and another to the Kremlin. #TravelRussia #MoscowTravel #RedSquare #Kremlin #MoscowGuide #FreeTravel #Russia #Moscow #KremlinTour #FamilyTravelRussi